Question 1

When do I need a crown instead of a filling?

Accepted Answer

A filling is the right choice when decay or damage is limited — the dentist removes the affected material and places composite resin directly into the cleaned cavity. For this to work well, there must be sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining to support the restoration. A crown becomes appropriate when decay is extensive (often more than half the visible tooth is affected), the tooth is cracked and structurally compromised, an existing large filling has failed and the remaining structure cannot hold another filling, or the tooth has had root canal treatment — which leaves it brittle and prone to fracture without full coverage. An inlay or onlay is sometimes the right middle option — used when the cavity is too large for a direct filling but the cusps are still healthy enough that a full crown would remove more natural tooth structure than necessary. For missing teeth where a bridge is not suitable, [dental implants](/dental-implants) offer a fixed alternative. Your dentist will assess the remaining structure on clinical examination and X-ray, and aims to preserve as much healthy tooth as possible in their recommendation. Australian Dental Association. Restoring your teeth. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024. HealthDirect Australia. Dental crowns — when are crowns needed? 2024.

Question 2

How long do dental fillings last?

Accepted Answer

Composite resin fillings typically last 7–10 years, though individual results vary. Larger fillings generally have shorter expected lifespans. Factors that influence longevity include the size and location of the filling, oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. A failing filling is not always symptomatic. Your dentist checks the integrity of all existing restorations at every check-up using a probe and X-rays. Signs that a filling may need attention include: Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed. A rough edge or raised surface you can feel with your tongue. Visible crack lines running from the filling margin. A persistent dull ache or discomfort when biting. A piece of filling material that has chipped or broken away HealthDirect Australia. Dental fillings — types and lifespan. 2024. Australian Dental Association. Fillings. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024.

Question 3

Is root canal treatment uncomfortable?

Accepted Answer

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but this largely reflects experiences from an era before modern local anaesthetics. Today, the procedure is performed under effective local anaesthesia. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort — most patients report pressure and movement rather than discomfort during the procedure itself. The pain associated with a root canal is usually what the patient arrives with — a severe toothache caused by an abscess or irreversible pulpitis. The procedure aims to relieve that pain by removing the inflamed or infected pulp tissue, cleaning the canals, and sealing the tooth. For many patients, there is noticeable relief within a day or two of treatment. Mild soreness in the days following treatment is common — the jaw muscles may be fatigued from keeping your mouth open, and the area around the tooth may feel tender. This typically settles within 2–5 days. For patients who are anxious about dental treatment, [sedation options](/sedation-dentistry) may be discussed at your consultation — suitability is assessed on an individual basis. HealthDirect Australia. Root canal treatment — what to expect. 2024. Australian Dental Association. Root canal treatment. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024.

Question 4

What is the difference between an inlay and a crown?

Accepted Answer

A crown covers the entire visible tooth above the gumline. It requires significant reshaping of the existing tooth structure to create space for the crown material to fit over the top. Crowns are appropriate when most of the original tooth structure has been lost to decay, fracture, or previous restorations. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth — it replaces the damaged central portion without removing the surrounding healthy cusp structure. An onlay (sometimes called a partial crown) extends over one or more cusps and falls between an inlay and a full crown in terms of how much of the tooth it covers. Both inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory and cemented into place at a second appointment. When the cusps are intact and healthy, an inlay or onlay is the more conservative option — preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown would require removing. When the cusps are cracked, heavily worn, or involved in the damage, a crown is more appropriate because it protects the entire remaining structure. An individual assessment is required to determine which restoration is clinically suitable for your tooth. Australian Dental Association. Restoring your teeth — inlays and onlays. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024. HealthDirect Australia. Dental inlays and onlays. 2024.

Question 5

How much does root canal treatment cost in Perth?

Accepted Answer

Root canal treatment cost in Perth varies depending on which tooth is being treated, how many canals the tooth has, and the complexity of the case. As a general guide, costs are typically in the following ranges — all prices confirmed at individual consultation before any procedure begins: From $750–$1,200 — anterior (front) teeth, typically one canal. From $1,000–$1,600 — premolars, typically one or two canals. From $1,400–$2,200 — molars, typically three or more canals After root canal treatment, a crown is typically recommended to protect the tooth — this is quoted separately as part of your written treatment plan. Health fund rebates may apply if your policy includes major dental cover. HICAPS is available on-site for instant claiming at the time of your appointment. Flexible payment options are available for the balance not covered by your fund. Australian Dental Association. Dental costs — what to expect. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024. HealthDirect Australia. Root canal treatment — costs and health fund cover. 2024.

Question 6

How many appointments does a crown take?

Accepted Answer

A dental crown at Sienna Smiles typically requires two appointments, each usually 45–75 minutes. All crowns are fabricated by a dental laboratory to ensure the highest quality fit and aesthetics. At the first appointment, your dentist prepares the tooth by reshaping it to make room for the crown, takes a detailed impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth, and places a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made. Laboratory turnaround is typically 7–14 days. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the permanent crown is checked for fit, shade, and bite, and then permanently cemented. Your dentist will make any necessary occlusal adjustments and confirm that the bite feels comfortable. Occasionally, if additional build-up work is identified at the initial assessment, a short preparatory appointment may be required before crown preparation. HealthDirect Australia. Dental crowns — what to expect. 2024. Australian Dental Association. Crowns and bridges. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024.

Question 7

Do I have to have a crown after root canal treatment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, a crown is strongly recommended after root canal treatment — particularly for premolars and molars. Root canal therapy removes the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth, which over time makes the tooth structure more brittle and prone to fracture compared with a vital tooth. Clinical studies in endodontic literature consistently show that root-treated posterior teeth without crowns are significantly more likely to fracture than those with crowns. A fractured root-treated tooth often cannot be saved and must be extracted — which is a more complex and costly outcome than placing a crown would have been. For anterior (front) teeth, the situation is sometimes different. If the tooth structure is largely intact following treatment, a composite restoration may be sufficient in some cases. This is assessed individually based on how much healthy tooth structure remains. At Sienna Smiles, the recommendation for a crown is based on clinical assessment — it is not automatically added to every root canal treatment plan, but it is the standard recommendation for most posterior teeth. Salehrabi R, Rotstein I. Endodontic treatment outcomes in a large patient population in the USA: an epidemiological study. J Endod. 2004;30(12):846-850. HealthDirect Australia. Root canal treatment. 2024.

Question 8

Can a tooth be filled instead of crowned?

Accepted Answer

Whether a filling is appropriate depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains after removing the decay or damaged material. For small to moderate cavities where the cusps are intact and the tooth has not had root canal treatment, a direct composite filling is usually the right choice. As a general clinical guide, if more than roughly half the visible tooth structure has been lost or removed, a filling alone may not provide adequate structural support — the remaining walls can flex under chewing force and risk fracturing. A fractured tooth can present a more complex clinical situation than placing a crown would have addressed. The decision between a filling and a crown is made at clinical assessment, taking into account the size and depth of the cavity, the health of the remaining tooth walls, whether the tooth is root-treated, and the patient's bite and grinding habits. Your dentist will explain the reasoning behind their recommendation at your consultation so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Australian Dental Association. Fillings. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024. HealthDirect Australia. Dental fillings — when is a crown needed instead? 2024.

Question 9

How long does a dental crown last?

Accepted Answer

Dental crowns typically last 10–15 years or longer with appropriate care, though individual results vary. Zirconia crowns are among the most durable ceramic options currently available — clinical research shows high survival rates at the 10-year mark. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor crown integrity, gum margin health, and any wear before issues develop. A number of factors influence how long a crown lasts: **Oral hygiene** — plaque accumulation at the crown margin can cause decay in the natural tooth beneath. **Grinding or clenching** — bruxism places excessive force on crowns; a night guard is recommended. **Diet** — very hard or sticky foods can chip or dislodge crowns over time. **Crown material** — zirconia and e.max lithium disilicate offer excellent durability in posterior positions. **Quality of cementation and fit** — a well-fitted crown with an intact margin resists leakage and secondary decay Sailer I, et al. Single-tooth implant reconstructions: a systematic review comparing zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns. J Dent. 2018;79:1-13. HealthDirect Australia. Dental crowns — how long do they last? 2024.

Question 10

Will my health fund cover restorative dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Most Australian private health insurance policies with major dental cover include restorative dental treatment. Crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and root canal therapy typically fall under major dental. Composite fillings generally fall under general dental. The rebate you receive depends on your fund, your level of cover, your annual benefit limits, and any applicable waiting periods. Key factors that affect how much your health fund will contribute include: Whether your policy includes major dental (not all policies do). Your annual major dental benefit limit and how much has already been used. Whether any waiting periods apply (major dental typically has a 12-month waiting period for new members). The scheduled fee your fund pays for the relevant item numbers At Sienna Smiles, HICAPS is available on-site for instant claiming — your rebate is processed at the time of your appointment. To understand your likely out-of-pocket cost before treatment, contact your fund and ask for the scheduled benefit for the relevant item numbers, which your dentist can provide at your consultation. Australian Dental Association. Health funds and dental treatment costs. ADA Dental Health for Life, 2024. Services Australia. Private health insurance and dental costs. 2024.

Restoreyourteeth, protect what remains.

Restore your teeth, protect what remains.

When a tooth is damaged, early treatment matters.

Five treatments, one clear plan.

Dental Crowns

Dental Bridges

Composite Fillings

Inlays and Onlays

Root Canal Therapy

Not sure which treatment you need?

What to expect at each step.

Clinical Assessment and X-Rays

Treatment Plan and Written Cost Estimate

Preparing the Tooth

Placing the Restoration

Review and Ongoing Care

Outcomes that last.

Questions we hear often.

Ready to restore your smile?